Did Jesus Really Tell Us to Mutilate Ourselves?

In Matthew 5:28-30 and Matthew 18:8-9, Jesus says it’s better to gouge out an eye and cut off a hand or foot than to continue using those body parts for sinful purposes and be thrown into hell.

Jesus was using hyperbole to emphasize the serious nature of sin.(1)

He wasn’t advocating self-mutilation, but stressing our need to deal diligently, seriously, and sacrificially with sin in our lives, a sign that we truly are saved.

First John 3:6-9 uses no hyperbole and says:
“No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who does what is sinful is of the devil…No one who is born of God will continue to sin…”

If we genuinely know Christ, we will deal seriously with our sins, never excusing or accepting them.
---------------
(1) Figures of speech in no way diminish the sacredness of God's Word. Read "Four Guidelines for Figurative Speech in Scripture."

Why not add some more of God's Word to your schedule by having a 1-minute devotion delivered to your email each weekday. Sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.